Monthly Archives: March 2012

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Consider this … As the day was more hectic than you expected and traffic more harried than usual, you find yourself walking into the business after-hours extremely late. As the event is now winding down, you know that you only have time to establish one meaningful relationship.

Although the venue has pretty much cleared out, you find that there are only three people still available, each with whom you are familiar, but none you really know.

Person 1: This person is not a competitor, but in many ways is your equal. While you each have almost completely different networks, this person’s network is comparable in size and diversity. Further, you each have enjoyed a comparable level of personal and professional success.

Person 2: This person is more or less a local business legend – heading up a much heralded corporate venture. Not only does this person have a wonderful professional acumen, this person also has an incredibly broad network of many envious contacts.

Person 3: This person is not only in transition, but also not really sure at this time whether to head back into corporate America or do something entrepreneurial. As this person spent years working for the same corporate employer, both the breadth and depth of their network is limited.

Given what you know and the circumstances, with whom do you connect to maximize long-term networking benefits of this event? Why?

You should endeavor to take good care of your business cards by keeping them clean and crisp in a cardholder and never giving away cards that are bent or damaged. Additionally, when you give someone your business card, you should give them a couple at a time. This will empower people to distribute your business cards to others or maintain your cards in multiple locations.

Do you consider yourself a high potential individual and take responsibility for your action? To improve on these traits read Hall of Fame Chapter member Ron Finklestein’s blog post: Do you take Ownership for Your Situation?

Effective professional networking is about building know, like and trust in your relationships. This is not a function of skills and techniques. Rather, you improve these networking relationships by focusing on your attitudes and habits.

Improve your network by focusing on your attitudes and habits, such as those related to INTEGRITY. Integrity involves habits and attitudes that allow others to feel comfortable with you. Here are some thoughts From Foundational Networking by Frank Agin, founder and CEO of AmSpirit Business Connections:

If you want others to trust you, you need to trust them first. People associate with (and trust) those who trust them.

People are energized by and appreciative when you openly share credit with those around you.

The greatest compliment is being known as reliable, as that means people trust you. Being reliable means that others feel that they can turn to you and count on the results. So, always do what you say you will do.

Take the path of sincerity, truthfulness, and integrity. You will always be further ahead.

When you do wrong (intended or not), you should never be too proud to say, “I’m sorry.” Saying sorry disarms anger others may feel toward you.

Be cautious in how and when you blame others for occasional misfortunes you encounter. Before blaming others, carefully examine your contribution to the mishap first.

FroForgiving others allows you to divert energy to more productive and creative endeavors. : Forgiving adds to your health/happiness and gives others comfort in associating with you.

Share your opinions responsibly. Remember, they are not definitive facts. Remember that others are entitled to their own opinions. If you meet someone with a differing opinion, agree to disagree. Or if you disagree with someone, stop and look for something upon which to agree.

Develop the habit of reflecting on situations before you take action. It does not matter so much what you do or say but how you do or say it. Using tact requires that you exhibit consideration, kindness, and reason.

Avoid manipulation, and make sure the objectives are truly in everyone’s best interest. Motivation is working towards objectives that are good for both others and you. Don’t use your position of power to unfairly coerce someone to do something.

Endeavor to continually make others feel comfortable and at ease in associating with you.